Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe

Introduction

Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a bright, flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Marinated in zesty lemon and herbs, then topped with salty feta and fresh parsley, it’s a Mediterranean delight that’s as easy as it is delicious.

Ingredients

• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced or 1 tsp dried garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp plus a pinch of sea salt
• 1/4 tsp coarse black pepper
• 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast
• 1/4 cup feta cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• Additional wedges of lemon for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well emulsified. Set aside 1/4 cup of this marinade for later.
2. Step 2: Add the thin-sliced chicken breast to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Use tongs to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to deepen the flavors.
3. Step 3: Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil and place the marinated chicken pieces into the skillet. Cook until the bottom is golden brown, about 4–5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Flip the chicken and continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when sliced.
5. Step 5: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate and drizzle the reserved marinade over the top. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese.
6. Step 6: Serve with additional lemon wedges, and enjoy your flavorful Greek chicken!

Tips & Variations

• For extra tenderness, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours instead of 30 minutes.
• Swap smoked paprika for regular paprika if you prefer a milder smoky flavor.
• Add sliced red onions or bell peppers to the skillet for a colorful vegetable boost.
• Use Greek yogurt as a creamy side to balance the tangy chicken.

Storage

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying it out. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but also works well cold in salads or wraps.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work great and stay juicy. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thighs may take a bit longer to cook through.

Is it necessary to reserve some marinade for serving?

Reserving a portion of the marinade before adding raw chicken ensures it is safe to drizzle over the cooked meat, boosting flavor without risk of contamination.

Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 60 reviews

• Author: Lily
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Greek Chicken with Lemon and Feta is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender, marinated chicken breasts with zesty lemon, aromatic herbs, and tangy feta cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe uses simple Mediterranean ingredients to create a moist and savory chicken dish with a bright, fresh finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade and Chicken

• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, finely minced or 1 tsp dried garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp plus a pinch of sea salt
• 1/4 tsp coarse black pepper
• 1 pound thin-sliced chicken breast

Topping and Garnish

• 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1/4 cup fresh chopped parsley
• Additional wedges of lemon for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the lemon zest and juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, sea salt, and black pepper. Whisk until the mixture is well emulsified. Set aside 1/4 cup of this marinade for later use.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the thin-sliced chicken breast to the remaining marinade in the bowl. Use tongs to coat each piece thoroughly with the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to deeply infuse the chicken.
3. Heat the Skillet: Preheat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking and to aid in browning.
4. Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken pieces in the hot skillet. Cook without moving until the bottom is golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Flip the chicken and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and the juices run clear when sliced.
5. Finish and Serve: Transfer the cooked chicken to a serving plate. Drizzle the reserved marinade over the top for extra flavor. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and crumbled feta cheese. Garnish with additional lemon wedges for squeezing over the chicken.
6. Enjoy: Serve the Greek chicken warm, paired with your choice of sides such as a fresh salad, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Notes

• For best flavor, marinate the chicken for the full 30 minutes, but it can be marinated up to 2 hours in advance.
• Use thin-sliced chicken breasts for quicker cooking and even marinade absorption.
• If preferred, dried garlic powder can be used instead of fresh garlic for convenience.
• Adjust salt to taste; feta cheese is salty, so consider this when seasoning.
• This dish pairs well with Mediterranean sides like Greek salad, tzatziki, or roasted potatoes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Keywords: Greek chicken, lemon chicken, feta cheese, Mediterranean chicken, quick chicken dinner, healthy chicken recipe, easy chicken skillet